Technical Director

$72,000 - $90,000 / yr, based on experience

Are you a hands-on technical leader with a passion for building immersive experiences? As a Technical Director at Knott’s Berry Farm, you will lead the design, development, fabrication, installation, and operation of technical elements across live shows, seasonal events, and park-wide activations.  

This role is ideal for a well-rounded professional who thrives at the intersection of creative vision and technical execution. Someone equally comfortable planning, leading teams, solving complex problems, and jumping in to build, program, troubleshoot, or install when needed. From Scary Farm builds to live entertainment productions, you will help bring some of the most dynamic guest experiences in the industry to life.  

You will oversee multiple crafts and crews, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest quality standards while mentoring the next generation of technical talent.   

Leads and Executes Multi-Disciplinary Technical Projects  

• Manage the full lifecycle of entertainment projects including planning, fabrication, installation, operation, strike, and asset storage.  

• Coordinate across departments to deliver seamless show experiences from concept to execution.  

• Develop project plans including timelines, staffing, and resource needs.  

Supervises and Develops Technical Teams  

• Lead and mentor multiple crews and crafts, setting expectations and holding teams accountable for performance and safety.  

• Develop staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.  

• Provide leadership in office, meeting, shop and field environments.  

Provides Technical Expertise Across Entertainment Disciplines  

A successful Technical Director brings a broad skillset and working knowledge across multiple departments, including:  

• Carpentry / Construction: Scenic construction, flat building, woodworking techniques, structural best practices.  

• Audio: Live sound reinforcement, speaker deployment, console operation, and audio system troubleshooting.  

• Special Effects: Fabrication, animatronics, motion control systems, PLC-based automation, pneumatics, and welding/metalwork.  

• Lighting: Installation and programming of conventional and intelligent fixtures, DMX/sACN networks, console programming, and show timing.  

• Paint / Scenic Art: Faux finishes, color theory, material selection, and execution techniques to support scenic design.  

• Props: Sourcing, fabrication, molding, and finishing of hand props, décor elements, and show dressing.  

• Rigging: Knowledge of truss, chain motors, fly systems, winch and hardware; experience with load considerations, overhead safety practices, and industry-standard rigging techniques.  

• Video: Signal flow (HDMI/SDI), media playback systems, projection, video walls, and media server integration.  

• Show Control & Networking: System integration, network architecture, Q-Sys, QLab and show control programming, automation and cue-based systems.  

Drives Problem Solving and System Integration  

• Diagnose complex technical issues and develop both immediate and long-term solutions.  

• Integrate multiple show systems (audio, lighting, video, effects, control) into unified operational environments.  

• Utilize a systematic, solution-oriented approach to troubleshooting.  

Ensures Safety, Quality, and Operational Excellence  

• Enforce strict adherence to safety policies and procedures across all projects.  

• Maintain high standards for installation, operation, and maintenance of show systems.  

• Continuously evaluate workflows and implement improvements to optimize efficiency and quality.   

Supports Budgeting, Planning, and Resource Management  

• Assist in forecasting and managing department budgets and capital projects.  

• Ensure efficient use of resources, materials, and labor to meet project goals.  

Maintains Documentation and Asset Tracking  

• Ensure all technical documentation, inventory records, and project files are accurate and up to date.  

• Track equipment usage, materials, and project assets throughout their lifecycle.   

Education  

• Bachelor’s degree or technical/vocational training in Technical Theater, Engineering, or related field preferred  

• Equivalent hands-on experience accepted 

Experience  

• 4–6 years of experience in live entertainment, technical theater, or themed attractions  

• 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a technical environment 

Minimum Age  

• At least 18 years of age  

Qualifications  

• Strong working knowledge across multiple technical disciplines (construction, lighting, audio, effects, show control, etc.)  

• Experience reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings  

• Ability to lead diverse teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously  

• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to develop creative solutions in dynamic environments  

• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments  

• Proficiency with industry tools and software (e.g., CAD, QLab, Q-SYS, Dante, lighting consoles, etc.)  

• Valid driver’s license required   

Work Environment & Requirements  

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions, including heat, noise, and elevated work environments  

• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as required by park operations  

• Ability to lift, climb, and work in active production and construction environments 

Why You’ll Love This Role:  

• Be part of building Seasonal Events such as Scary Farm, Merry Farm and Boysenberry Festival, and live entertainment experiences seen by thousands of guests every day  

• Work across multiple disciplines—no two days are the same  

• Lead talented teams and bring complex, high-impact projects to life  

• Combine hands-on technical work with leadership and creative problem-solving